Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
These decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars combine a chewy oat and flour crust with a creamy peanut butter filling and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, these bars are a delightful treat for snack time or dessert, featuring vegan ingredients to accommodate plant-based diets.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Crust
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup melted vegan butter
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter (not the natural kind with oil separation)
- 1/2 cup vegan butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
Topping
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- coarse salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted vegan butter until the mixture forms moist crumbs.
- Bake the crust: Evenly press the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool while preparing the filling.
- Make the peanut butter filling: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or an electric hand mixer, beat the creamy peanut butter and softened vegan butter together until well combined, about 1 minute. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Assemble the filling layer: Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you make the chocolate topping.
- Melt the chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the vegan chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Finish the bars: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer. Optionally, sprinkle with coarse salt for added flavor. Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 16 squares, serve, and enjoy these rich, vegan chocolate peanut butter oatmeal bars.
Notes
- Do not use natural peanut butter with oil separation as it can affect the texture of the filling.
- Using parchment paper with an overhang helps remove the bars easily from the pan without sticking.
- The coarse salt topping is optional but enhances the sweetness and adds a nice contrast.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and also freeze well for longer storage.
- Ensure the vegan butter is softened to room temperature to blend smoothly with the peanut butter.
